Astoria Art Festival Is Back For Its Second Year

If you are looking for artistic inspiration, look no further than your local restaurants and bars in Astoria, which will showcase the work of local and emerging artists for one week, from Sept. 27 until Oct. 6.

With more than 20 venues and 30 artists, the Astoria Art Festival is back for its second year.

The week long series of events will feature a mixture of photography, paintings, illustrations and mixed-media creations from local Queens artists.

Local community leader and photographer Lizabeth Nieves and designer Christine Haber have dedicated themselves to establishing Queens as a thriving art community. Since partnering with local business owner George Rallis, together they curate art shows, host interactive events and live shows.

“New Yorkers will have a chance to explore a wealth of innovative and thought-provoking artwork from Queens’ artists – except instead of traditional studios and galleries, they will be on display in Astoria’s eclectic bars, restaurants and stores as a true reflection of the neighborhood’s community spirit,” Nieves said.

The works will be hung on the walls of local restaurant and bars, including Queens Comfort, Sweet Afton, Hell Gate Social, Sparrow, Astoria Park Wine & Spirits, Lockwood and William Hallet. Newcomers, including the Single Cut Beer and Milkflower, will also participate in celebrating the neighborhood’s art scene.

There is no set schedule for viewing the artwork, because attendees are welcome to wander into the venues.

The Festival will kick-off at Hell Gate Social at 12-21 Astoria Blvd. on Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. until midnight and the after-party will take place at Sparrow, located at 24-01 29th St., from midnight until 4 a.m.

For more information, visit www.astoriaartfestival.com/2013/09/09/astoria-art-festival-event-details-from-september-27-october-6.